Issue 1 / 6 February 2015
Junior School Bulletin that teaches spelling in an evidence-based way that engages students in a variety of sound, pattern and meaning activities.
Junior School News Welcome back to the start of another school year. It has been a really positive start with students settling in well and there is a really good vibe around the campus. On the first day of school we installed our new staff into their roles of teachers and the student leaders into their positions of responsibility. At the end of the service I challenged the students to continually do their personal best every day. If they can continue to improve a little bit every day, they will make great advances by the end of the year. Students were also encouraged to keep a growth mindset and see that challenges are a great opportunity for growth and learning.
I am really excited about the school year ahead, it is going to be a great year. I look forward to building on the partnership that exists between the College and families and providing the best possible education for your children.
It was wonderful to see so many parents at our recent Prep/ Year 1 Information Night. These information nights give us the opportunity to share with you some general information about what is happening within the Junior School and then for teachers to share specific information relating to their classes. It allows us all to develop the partnership that exists between the College and parents so that together we can provide the best learning opportunities for your children. A strong school - home partnership results in enhanced student learning outcomes. We look forward to seeing all of the Year 2/3 parents on Tuesday night 10 February and Year 4/5/6 parents on Thursday night 12 February. We are all lifelong learners and during the staff week the teachers were involved in a spelling professional learning workshop. This year we are introducing a word study program called “Words Their Way�. It is a word study program
Darrin Schumacher Head of Junior School darrins@salc.qld.edu.au
From the Deputy Head of Junior School (P - 3) One of our strategic priorities across the College is Literacy and we are very excited this year to be introducing a new Word Study program called Words Their Way in all Junior School classes from Prep to Year 6.
What is Words Their Way? Words Their Way is a developmental word study program that allows teachers to provide differentiated instruction in phonics, spelling, and vocabulary. It is based on the stages that students move through to develop effective knowledge in these important areas in the rich tapestry of Literacy. Teachers will use an initial spelling inventory with their students to determine the “stages” that require more explicit teaching and regular practice for their students. This will inform the teaching and learning goals for each student. In any class there will be students at a number of different stages. Students may work individually, in pairs or in small groups to explore the particular stage of development that they need to master before moving to the next stage. Students will engage in a variety of activities and word sorts based on sounds, patterns and the meaning of words. Words Their Way may look quite different from the spelling programs most of us used at school!! It teaches students to examine words to discover the regularities (and the irregularities!!) as well as the patterns and conventions of the English language in order to read, write, and spell. Why “WORD STUDY” instead of a “TRADITIONAL” spelling program? This approach to spelling and word knowledge is based on extensive research. Research clearly indicates that memorization of lists of “spelling words” does not necessarily promote the development of spelling skills. Many students who passed the weekly “spelling test” were not able to transfer the knowledge to their writing! Memorizing a list of words and getting 100% on weekly tests does not necessarily mean your child is a good speller. It may just mean they are good at memorizing words for a test. There are 3 layers to Word Study: Alphabet – learning the relationship between letters and sounds Pattern – learning specific groupings of letters and their sounds Meaning – learning the meaning of groups of letters such as prefixes, suffixes, and roots. Vocabulary increases at this layer.
What are the Principles of WORD STUDY? • English spelling is complex but not chaotic…. it goes beyond just knowing the letters of the alphabet. • English spelling is based on patterns. • Sorting words according to particular patterns requires students to focus on the specifics of words and to learn how to explore words. • The purpose is to gain word knowledge, not to memorize specific words. • The brain seeks patterns - basic cognitive learning processes of comparing and contrasting, discovering similarities and differences, and generalizing beyond isolated words. • Because word knowledge is gained developmentally, collaborative activities will be beneficial. Students will often work in pairs and small groups. • Learning is best achieved when it is interesting and engaging. • Based on the strong correlations between reading and spelling, word study will support all areas of Literacy learning. In word study, teachers encourage students to compare and contrast features in words. One common method for doing this is by having students sort words according to sounds (eg consonants, short and long vowels) or other features (eg Latin roots, prefixes or suffixes). What are WORD SORTS? Each week, each group of students will focus on a number of words with common features, relevant to their developmental stage. In WORD SORTS students use their word knowledge to group words that go together and to separate them from those that don’t. This allows students to make generalizations about words and transfer this knowledge to new words. In addition to sorting, students may: • hunt for words in their reading and writing that fit the pattern being studied, • construct a word wall illustrating examples of the different patterns studied, • keep a word study notebook to record the known patterns and their new understandings about words, • play games and other activities that allow them to apply their word knowledge. Teachers will assess students’ pattern knowledge rather than their ability to memorize single words. For example, a teacher might have students work with a number of words during a word study cycle and then randomly assess students on some of those words, and include additional words that follow the pattern even though the additional words were not on the initial spelling list – this allows the teacher to see if students are able to transfer their knowledge of the pattern to new words.
How can Parents learn more about WORDS THEIR WAY? In the coming weeks we will run some Parent Information Sessions … please stay tuned for dates and times!! “A blessing for you….. because the Lord your God loves you.” Deuteronomy 23:5 Joy Schloss Deputy Head of Junior School (P-3) joys@salc.qld.edu.au
ELC News We have been blessed with the opportunity to welcome 103 children and families in the first few weeks of the ELC opening. It has been amazing and truly rewarding, seeing the children move around the environment and explore and meet new friends, to start to develop relationships and learn new routines. The centre is a hive of activity day after day. The children have been exploring the indoor and outdoor environments. We have created cubby houses, played in the dry creek beds, starting digging to the other side of the world in the sandpit, learning to take turn on the swings, exploring bugs and insects found in the environment and much, much more. Staff have been doing a wonderful job creating a supportive and caring environment that is child centred and reflects the needs of the children. Each day the children’s day is documented in a daily journal that allows parents to see and gain a little insight into the learning that has occurred. Each day parents and children are able to view photographs of the children at work, exploring, learning, creating and using their imagination on a screen in the foyer. This is a very positive experience as it creates conversations with the children about their day and allows the children to practice their recall skills which is very important for cognitive development. We look forward to welcoming Sensei Taki to the ELC this week teaching the children Japanese once a week.
Chaplains Chat Love Drives Out All Fear! The disciple John describes God’s love for each of us in the following way - Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first. 1 John 4:18-19 The staff of St Andrews begin each new school year with a two day retreat where we have time to warmly welcome new members of staff, refocus on what is most important in our roles as educators at St Andrews and be enriched through guest presenters sharing insights that encourage and empower us for the year ahead. This year our keynote speaker was Amanda Gore and she shared a variety of concepts with us. Her main focus was on how we as staff have the responsibility of bringing light, life and love into all our relationships, be they with students, staff or parents. She highlighted that this task is made difficult by the fears we have developed over the years – with one of the chief fears being FOWOT – Fear Of What Others Think.
Our fears grow out of how we feel about ourselves. If we are content with who we are then we are more inclined to embrace others and their needs. On the other hand, if we are unsure about our own worth it tends to lead us to be suspicious of others and their motives and this in turn damages the manner in which we interact with each other. As we live out our lives reassured of God’s love – that we belong to Him and we are secure in His care forever, we are filled with an inexpressible joy. The knowledge of His love brings us deep peace. It is this love that drives out all fear and brings blessing not only to us individually but to all with whom we interact. John wrote his words 2,000 years ago but the truth contained within them is timeless. God’s love for each of us through Christ is eternal and we are privileged to live in His Love at St Andrews. May all of us share God’s love with each other in the year ahead. Lets savour it and be open to it bringing beauty into all our relationships.
Bronwyn Waters Director Early Learning Centre
Graeme Schache Chaplain
Counselling Update Avoiding Drop-off Dramas The start of a new school year, especially at ‘drop off time’, can be a struggle for some children (and their parents). As a mother of a former “leg leech” when it came to school drop offs here are a few tips for building confidence and resilience in your child and maintaining your own stress levels.
Some other ways you can help build confidence and resilience in your children at drop off times are • Let them carry their own bag into school. • Let them get their things out of their bag. • Encourage them to dress and toilet themselves at home (shoes included!). • Let them pack their own bag in the morning (under supervision of course). • Occasionally try the ‘kiss and ride’ or drop off at the gate to “test” how brave they can be. • Arrive before the bell so they get a chance to go and play and build some friendships. • When they are brave and independent make a big deal out of it or perhaps give them a small reward. Please always feel free to contact me if you are concerned about ongoing high levels of anxiety in your child whether it is at drop off or other times throughout the school day. There are many layers of support for your children at St Andrews and we strive to do everything possible to ensure that students feel safe and secure throughout their school journey. Mardi Frost School Counselling Team
Have faith in your child and check in with yourself Probably the biggest thing is managing your own anxiety. Reassure your child that it is normal to feel nervous and that they are safe at school. Listen to their fears but try not to react emotionally as they will pick up on your stress. Try and establish a morning routine Consistency and reliability builds confidence. Even children from multiple households can still maintain a certain order in the way things are done so your child knows what is coming next. It also helps to prevent last minute panics over forgotten hats, drink bottles or homework. Create a drop-off ritual If you have more than one child you can make a special one for each. Something like a special kiss, handshake or saying. Keep it consistent and walk away once it is done. Rituals need repetition and repetition builds reliability. A quick good bye is the best goodbye No matter how tempting it may be, try not to stay outside classrooms talking to other parents or looking inside once your child has entered. If they are crying and upset the teacher or teacher aide will help to settle them. Prolonged goodbyes full of repetitive reassurances and promises are only going to set up negative rituals. If something has happened at home or on the way to school and your child is upset, let the teacher know. You can call or email during the day to check in on how they are going. Teachers can also call me for additional support for your child. Whatever you do, don’t give in to their pleas when they simply would prefer to be home with you instead of school. Children can be masters of emotional manipulation and the longer you stay the worse you will feel.
Junior School Library News Welcome to Junior School Library 2015 This year our theme is “Lights, Camera, Action” connecting the Book Week theme of “Books Light Up Our World” and the International Year of Light and Light Technologies. Over the year we will explore ways that reading and literacy, combined with various resources and ICT tools that can support learning and literacy. In 2015 one of the College’s key strategic foci is literacy. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) a literate person is one who can “read and write, with understanding, a short simple statement about his or her everyday life”. (Source) Literacy Facts
Screenshot (Source)
The Power of Reading and Literacy In the Junior School library we aim to support the growing of literate humans through fostering of a love of literature and reading. Please come and see us if you would like some ideas or reading recommendations.
Reminders • The first week of borrowing is Week 4. • Parents may apply to be library members. Please see Kate Dalby (JS Library Technician) to complete an application.
Julie Whiting - PAT Percussion and Bass Guitar Tutor Julie has a Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Secondary Teaching as well as a Masters of Education. She has a wealth of experience as a music tutor, conductor and musical director. Julie is also Director of Blue Fish Theatrical.
“The fire of literacy is created by the emotional sparks between a child, a book, and the person reading. It isn’t achieved by the book alone, nor by the child alone, nor by the adult who’s reading aloud—it’s the relationship winding between all three, bringing them together in easy harmony.” Source: Mem Fox (2008) Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever
Katrina O’Neal Katrina joins us as PAT Admin Assistant and will respond to all emails sent to performingarts@salc.qld.edu.au Kim Reynolds remains with us one day a week, focusing on all things creative.
Key Dates • Scholastic Book Fair: 23rd – 27th March sales 8.00am – 4.00pm JS Library • International World Book Day: 23rd April (UNESCO to promote reading, publishing and copyright) • National Book Week Saturday: 22 August - Friday 28 August Further Reading • See Mem Fox’s 10 Read Aloud Commandments http://memfox.com/for-parents/for-parents-ten-readaloud-commandments/ • Why does Literacy Matter? http://www.hws.edu/about/pdfs/literacy_matter.pdf • Reading Newsletters and Resources http://www.readingrockets.org/resourceinfo • International Year of Light and Light Technologies http://www.light2015.org/Home.html Julia Boulton Librarian/ICT Coordinator
Performing Arts News PAT 2015 All PAT lessons commenced this week. PAT teachers have contacted students with their times, timetables are also available on Moodle and on Studio Windows. For PAT teachers contact details please visit the College website. This year we welcome several new Tutors to our PAT Team: Eliza Fish will join Kristine Dennis as our Vocal Tutors Eliza has a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Voice) from the Conservatorium of Music and a Masters of Music Therapy. She has worked at St Edmunds College and The Southport School as a teacher of Voice and is also the lead singer of the Funk Factory Big Band. Nicola Stewart - PAT Speech and Drama Tutor Nicola recently arrived to Australia from London where she has enjoyed a professional acting career that has spanned 15 years and included TV, Film, Theatre and Radio work. She has also worked as a Drama Tutor in schools and Music Theatre Companies and has experience working through LAMDA Exams (equivalent to Trinity College, London).
Ensembles All Choirs and Ensembles commenced Week 2. Rehearsals are as follows: String Ensemble - Monday 7.30am - JS Music Room Kate Oakley-Grant kateo@salc.qld.edu.au Golden Clefs - Tuesday 7.45am - JS Music Room Kristine Dennis kristined@salc.qld.edu.au Semitone Choir -Wednesday 7.45am - JS Music Room Kristine Dennis kristined@salc.qld.edu.au Mini Musos - Wednesday 7.30am - RBT Matt Pearson mattp@salc.qld.edu.au Lauren Washington laurenw@salc.qld.edu.au Jazz Band - Wednesday 3.30pm – 4.30pm - RBT Anthony Simmonds anthonys@salc.qld.edu.au Concert Band - Thursday 7.30am - RBT Anthony Simmonds anthonys@salc.qld.edu.au JS Concert Band - Thursday 7.30am - J24 Julie Whiting juliew@salc.qld.edu.au MS/SS Choir - Thursday 7.45 am - J17 Kristine Dennis kristined@salc.qld.edu.au Mini Musos Vacancies We have limited vacancies in Mini Musos for 2015 for Year 4 and Year 5. This is a wonderful way to start a child on their musical journey and enjoy the benefits associated with learning an instrument and belonging to an ensemble. The cost of the program is $100 for the year and includes instrument hire and weekly lessons with a specialist teacher. If you would like to be a part of this program, please email Paul Oakley Grant paulo@salc.qld.edu.au with at least 2 preferences for instruments as we tend to only have 1 of each instrument still available. NB We will refer to the recruitment results from 2014 to base offers. In Year 3 In Year 4 Baritone Bass Clarinet Clarinet Alto Saxophone Percussion Trombone Alto Sax Trumpet Trombone Flute Trumpet Year 3 Strings Program 2015 In the coming weeks our PAT Strings tutor will visit Year 3 students to trial for placements in the Strings Program.
There are limited places in this program where students can learn either violin or cello and receive a group lesson and instruments for the year at no cost. As skills develop, students will be invited to join the College String Ensemble. Offers to the program will be made via email Week 3. Any questions can be emailed to our Music Coordintor Paul Oakley-Grant at paulo@salc.qld.edu.au Cilla Scott Head of Arts priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au
Sport News Head of Sport On Tuesdays Mr Manion will now be located in the HPE office under J Block with Mr Carter. This will make it much easier for Senior students to contact Mr Manion regarding any Sports related enquiries. Mr Manion can also be contacted by email: andrewm@salc.qld.edu.au District Sport Carnivals and Trials Due to some changes within the School Sport South Coast region, ALL 10 to 19 year old St Andrews’ students will now trial via the HINTERLAND DISTRICT. This applies for Carnivals (Swim, Cross Country and Athletics) and Sports Team selection trials. The Gold Coast South (Primary) and Independent (Secondary) Districts do not exist anymore. Don’t forget to email or see Mr Manion if you are interested in attending District Sport Carnivals and/or Trials in 2015. Reminders will be in student notices, various publications and the College website as trial dates approach, but it is every students’ responsibility to check the dates and contact Mr Manion if they are interested in such events. District Swimming Trials The Hinterland Green Swimming Carnival for 10 – 19 year old swimmers is at TSS on Monday 23 February. Any students who wish to participate at this Carnival/District Trial must contact Mr Manion to collect a selection application form. Successful students will be notified and further information will then be supplied. St Andrews Swimming Carnivals Years 7-12 - Thursday 26 February Years 4-6 - Friday 27 February To be held at Somerset College Pool. More information will be circulated soon. Running Club After doing a magnificent job with our groups in recent years, JK Faulkner has completed University Qualifications and now gained employment. He is unable to take Running Club again in 2015 so our coach this year is another exSt Andrews student and qualified HPE teacher, Ms Casey West.
Run Club will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays (change from last year) beginning Week 4, Monday 16 February. Members should meet at the Top Oval at 7am. Sessions will go for approximately one hour. Members will be able to purchase the running club singlet and receive achievement awards for attendance and km run. You will require an information sheet and permission form. This will be available from Mr Manion and Ms West very soon. We hope to see an impressive turn out this year to train for the Cross Country, Track and Field Carnivals and Kokoda as well as generally improving your health and wellbeing. Run Club caters for families of all students in Years 4-12 no matter what your needs and abilities are. Schools Tennis Competition The 2015 Inter-School Tennis Challenge is to be held at Queens Park Tennis Centre at the end of February. This competition will now incorporate Senior (Years 10, 11, 12) Middle (Years 7, 8, 9) and Primary (Years 4, 5, 6). Please contact Mr Manion for more details. Entries close on Friday 20 February. Student Achievements Already in 2015 we have some amazing sporting achievements to celebrate. Four students have qualified to represent St Andrews and South Coast at the State Triathlon Championships which is to be held in Hervey Bay, 19 – 21 February. Congratulations to: Emily Richards, William Atkinson, Kieran Croker and Lachlan Richards We look forward to hearing about their races at the State Championships. Kieran Croker has also achieved some outstanding results in other Triathlon events also. During the break, Kieran was successful in managing 15th place in the Australian Super Sprint Triathlon ITU series event held at Runaway Bay on 1214 December. He then showed great improvement to be the 10th placed Australian at the Oceania ITU Series race held in Penrith on 9 January. Very impressive results for Kieran’s first ever National events. Katie Hayward has continued her excellent form by winning the Silver Medal in her Race Walk Event at the National Championships in Adelaide in December. Katie also set a new Personal Best time in her event. If you have any questions please contact Mr Manion at: andrewm@salc.qld.edu.au Andrew Manion Head of Sport
Tuckshop News
P&F News
Welcome to Term 1 Just a reminder that you will need to update your children’s class for 2015 on Flexi Schools. You will be prompted to do this upon your first log in.
Welcome back to school and to all new parents we hope you have settled into life at St Andrews. The General Meeting for Term 1 will be held on Wednesday 11 March at 7pm in the CRC. We welcome any new parents to come along and find out what the P & F is all about. If you have any agenda items for discussion please email the Secretary at pandf@salc.qld.edu.au by Friday 6 March. Attending meetings is a great opportunity to have input into school projects which the P & F fund. Everyone is welcome so please join us.
This term will see a few exciting changes in the way purchases are made at the Tuckshop. Students in Years 7-12 and staff will have the opportunity to link their Student Card up with Flexi Schools. To make use of this service you will need to already have a Flexi School account. If you don’t have an account, just visit www.flexischools. com.au and register. From there you will be sent a confirmation email from which you can set up your account. If you have any questions about Flexi Schools or need help registering, I’m more than happy to help you. Volunteers Tuckshop is looking for volunteers to help out. If you simply have an hour to spare, we would greatly appreciate your help. Duties would include restocking drinks, ice blocks etc or if you would like to help out in the kitchen, duties would include helping with the receiving and packing of Tuckshop orders and sandwich making. There will be no cash handling or counter service.
If anyone has any suggestions or comments and cannot make the next meeting please email the P & F at pandf@salc.qld.edu.au Dates for General Meetings in 2015 We only meet once a term, so put these dates in your diary. All meetings start at 7:00pm in the CRC. Term One – Wednesday 11 March Term Two – Wednesday 10 June Term Three – Wednesday 12 August Term Four – Wednesday 25 November - AGM Fete – 16 May 2015 There will be a Fete meeting held in the Junior School Staffroom on Wednesday 18 February at 3.30pm. Please see the Fete Flyer for more information. Picnic in the Park The annual Picnic in the Park will be held on Friday 13 March in the Junior School Playground. There will be jumping castles for the kids, music for the adults and a relaxing atmosphere for parents to meet some of the teachers at the College. This will also be a wonderful opportunity for familes to meet our new Pastor and his family. A sausage sizzle and drinks will be available for purchase to assist in funding the event.
If this sounds like you, please call in and see us or email tuckshop@salc.qld.edu.au Trina van der Kamp Tuckshop Manager
OSHC News
Dates to Remember - February
Outside School Hours Care Welcome to 2015. St Andrews OSHC provides Afterschool Care from 3.00pm – 6.00pm. Please email enquiries for enrolments for OSHC to standrews.oshc@qlecs.org.au or phone: 5522 5762. The service is closed on weekends, public holidays and for a two week break over the Christmas/New Year period. St Andrews Lutheran College OSHC is managed by Queensland Lutheran Early Childhood Services. Children may enrol in any component of the service for After School Care and Vacation Care. Prior to the commencement of each new school year an enrolment update must be completed for continuing children. Our services support families and children within a Christian environment. We ask that bookings be made for regular care. This assists us in complying with staff/child ratios. All booked care must be paid for. Bookings can be made by emailing standrews.oshc@qlecs.org.au
Friday 6 Years 4 – 6 Swimming Lessons Tuesday 10 P-6 Chapel, Worship Centre – 1.40pm Years 2 & 3 Parents Information Evening, MPH – 6.30pm Thursday 12 Years 4 – 6 Parents Information Evening, MPH – 6.30pm Friday 13 Years 4 – 6 Swimming Lessons Sunday 15 Year 3 Family Service, Worship Centre – 9.00am Monday 16 Early Learning Centre Official Opening, ELC – 10.00am Class Coordinators Meeting, Junior School Staffroom – 8.30am Tuesday 17 P-6 Assembly, Multi Purpose Hall – 1.40pm Friday 20 Years 4 – 6 Swimming Lessons
Statements are issued weekly via email and we ask that you pay your fees promptly. Fees that remain more than 14 days overdue may attract an Overdue Account Fee.
Wild after School Art Classes Learn to Create, Draw and Paint..... Use your imagination, it’s fun for everyone! Monday 3:00pm - 4:30pm - Meet Outside Room 12B. Most art materials are supplied, expert tuition artist/teacher and free snacks supplied. Cost: Available on request Don’t miss out, Book Now! Text/Call - 0402 328 987 or 5577 3293 after 7pm
REMINDER: TO ALL PARENTS Please ensure all Tours/Excursions are accepted via the Parent Lounge. This is a requirement for the beginning of each year.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Please do not send any nut products to the College with your child. We ask that any products such as peanut butter, nut bars, etc. be left at home. Your support in ensuring the safety of students with severe allergies to these products is appreciated. Corina Sills - College Nurse
St andrews fete Saturday 16 may 2015 FETE MEETING The first Fete meeting of 2015 will be held on Wednesday 18 February at 3.30pm in the Junior School Staffroom. Everyone is welcome and we are looking for some new ideas.
GENERAL STALL CONVENOR We are looking for a convenor who will be looking after the stalls not relating to food. All of these stalls have run successfully at previous Fetes so you will have plenty of support.
CHOCOLATE BED We will be looking for lots and lots of chocolate for this stall. It is one of the biggest fundraisers on the day. We will be collecting from the beginning of Term 2 – but please consider putting an extra block in your trolley when you go shopping or when it is on special between now and the Fete!!
STALLHOLDERS WANTED A number of stalls have already been filled, but we are open to new ideas. If you have any ideas or are interested in running a stall or if you were a Stall Convenor at the last Fete and are interested in running your stall again in May 2015 could you please let us know by emailing the P & F at:
ARE YOU OUR NEXT MAJOR SPONSOR? If you are interested in getting involved contact the P & F President – Daniel Renneberg on 0409 729 676
CENT AUCTION We are looking for someone to run the Cent Auction which is one of the major fundraisers of the Fete. If you are interested, this is a very fulfilling role. We are also looking for major donations of prizes for the cent auction. If you have a business and want to showcase what you sell please donate to the auction for all to see. Contact any of the P & F committee for futher details.
fete@salc.edu.qld.au
THE RIDES ARE BOOKED!
Please consider helping out at the College’s biggest fundraiser. All the profits go directly back to the College. It has been decided the funds will go to upgrade the amenities within the MPH.
Fete 2015 - Volume 1, Issue 3 - St Andrews Parents and Friends
INSIGHTS Building parent-school partnerships
WORDS Michael Grose
Help your child ACHIEVE!
One way to help your child achieve at school is to work together with your child’s teacher. The parent-teacher partnership takes work from both sides to become a reality. Here are some ideas that will help. There’s no doubt that the best outcomes for kids happen when teachers and parents work together to support children’s learning. Here are 10 ways you can work with your child’s teacher to maximise your child’s chances of school success.
1 Know what your child’s teacher
is trying to achieve
Like children, every teacher is different with their own specific expectations, goals and interests. Get to know your child’s teacher and gain an understanding of their approach and aspirations for your child’s class.
2 Keep your expectations
reasonable and positive
If your expectations are too high your teacher may give up. Too low and they will meet them! The trick is to keep your aspirations for your child in line with their ability and their interests. Also be realistic about what your child’s school can deliver. Sometimes our expectations of schools are not in line with their capabilities or their roles.
3 Support your teacher’s
expectations & activities at home
One practical way of supporting your child is to take a real interest in their home-based learning tasks and follow the guidelines laid out by teachers.
4 Send kids to school ready
to learn and on time
Maximise your child’s chances of success by sending them to school in a good frame
of mind, with plenty of sleep and a good breakfast. Also make sure they get to school on time. It’s estimated that many kids miss up to two weeks of school a year when they are routinely late by just five minutes a day.
5 Inform teachers of your child’s
challenges and changes Life’s not always smooth sailing for kids. Family circumstances can alter. Friends move away. Illness happens. These changes affect learning. Make sure you keep your child’s teacher up-to-date with significant changes or difficulties your child experiences, so he or she can accommodate their emotional and learning needs at school.
6 Skill children to work with others Schools are social places requiring children to work and play with each other much of the time. Teaching manners to kids, as well as encouraging them to share their time, space and things with others are practical ways to help kids with their social skills. Talk through any social challenges they may have, helping them develop their own strategies to get on with others.
7 Respectfully seek joint solutions
to problems and difficulties Resist the temptation to solve all your children’s problems or think you have the only solution. Most learning and social problems can be resolved when teachers and parents work together in the best interests of the child.
8 Participate in class & school activities There is a huge body of research that points to the correlation between parent involvement in a child’s schooling and their educational success. Quite simply, if you want your child to improve his learning then take an interest in his learning, attend as many school functions as you can, and follow the lead provided by your child’s teacher. This simple strategy will have a massive, long-term impact.
9 Trust your teacher’s knowledge,
professionalism and experience
Your child’s teachers are your greatest allies. Their training, their experience around kids, and their objective professionalism puts them in a strong position to make judgement calls about your child.
10 Talk up what happens at school Your child will take their cues from you about how they see their school. If you want your child to value learning, and enjoy their time at school then you need to support your school and make sure he or she hears positive messages about learning, teachers and the school itself. You can set a strong educational agenda at home by talking up your school. This type of 10-point plan is easy to read but hard to put into practice, particularly when you get busy or your child has significant difficulties. Choose two or three ideas from this list to really focus on in the coming year and you’ll find that the rest will fall into place. Good luck and nurture the partnerships you have with your child’s teachers.
e from Michael Grose. Join Stay one step ahead of your kids with great ideas & expert advic b.com.au. You’ll be so glad you did. Michael’s NEW Parentingideas Club today at parentingideasclu © 2015 Michael Grose
parentingideas.com.au